adaptation

noun

ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce adaptation (audio)
Definition of adaptationnext
as in adjustment
the act or process of changing something to fit a new use or situation a careful adaptation of the book for the silver screen could take several years

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adaptation What that adaptation looks like depends on what a business sells. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 For Finite, Nuclear Children joins a slate comprising original series and adaptations of plays, operas and literary texts. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 This deliciously farcical film adaptation features an all-star cast. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 Richard Brody’s incisive piece about adaptation speaks to the essential question of creative freedom as a filmmaker adapts a work of literature. — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adaptation
  1. adjustment
  2. adaption
Noun
  • Teams could still make adjustments on other days for injuries, trades and some other transactions.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Waiting from age 62 until 70 to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits provides an approximate 76% total benefit boost as well as roughly 76% more of every annual cost-of-living adjustment, Mahaney writes in the research.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of adjustment
Noun
  • Cross-cutting priorities focus on gender quality and climate change mitigation and adaption.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • Add the upcoming Neuromancer series to that list, an adaption of William Gibson’s hugely influential 1984 cyberpunk novel of the same name.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2026
Definition of adaption

Browse Nearby Words

adaptable
adaptation
adaptations
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Cite this Entry

“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adaptation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on adaptation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adaptation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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